GREENSBORO - The East All-Stars thrived in the fast-as-you-can, end-to-end soccer showcase that was the N.C. Coaches Association All-Star Boys Soccer Game last Tuesday night. Jacksonville standout James Johnson's two unassisted goals led the way in a 2-1 triumph over the West squad.

Johnson scored the game's first goal, taking advantage of a mishandled ball in the back of the West defense and driving a shot by Montrell Morgan of Asheville with 2:10 to play in the first half.

Then, after the West tied things up on Jeremy Dennis goal five minutes into the second half, Johnson picked up a loose ball that made the final difference with 18 minutes to play.

The East lineup featured two former Sanderson standouts, defender J.P. Rafferty and forward Glenn Scott, Broughton's Harrison Delbridge, Chipper Root of East Chapel Hill and Edgar Herrera of South Johnston, the state's No. 3 all-time scorer with 158 career prep goals.

"We just came in with the philosophy to keep our overall game simple, with a lot of one-two touches and low passes," Herrera said. "Everything we did, we tried to do quick and fast."

Herrera, Rafferty and Scott all had shots on goal for the East. Rafferty and Root are both South Carolina recruits, while Herrera is headed to St. Leo's University in Florida. Delbrige will play at Appalachian State.

The victory boosted the East's lead in the all-time series to 11-8.

"It was really a special experience, getting the chance to learn some new tactics and play with some of the elite players in North Carolina," Herrera said. "I got the chance to improve my skill level as I get ready to move into the college game."